Dick Spotswood: Marin GOP tries to bolster political clout

MIGHT the Marin Republican Party once again become politically relevant? That's what party leaders are aiming for as they pivot away from some past futile efforts to elect state and national candidates. Instead, they will concentrate on Marin issues and candidates.

They were inspired by their successful role using California's new "top two" electoral system to provide the margin of victory for reform state assembly candidate Marc Levine, D-San Rafael, over the union-supported incumbent Michael Allen, D-Santa Rosa.

Party leaders understand that while electing any North Bay Republicans is years away, they immediately can play decisive roles in close local races.

As the Marin GOP website touts, the party will tackle "issues that people on all sides of the political aisle can agree on." Issues such as the Association of Bay Area Governments/Plan Bay Area and county pensions. The local Republicans will start "at the top with none other than our very own Board of Supervisors."

The party building exercise is led by the new young GOP leader, Kevin Krick of Fairfax. He made a symbolic move by joining the gay-oriented Log Cabin Republican Club after he was named chair. While personally straight, Kirk was making a statement about the local GOP's commitment to openness and libertarian values.

lll

THE proposed $143 million Highway 101-Greenbrae-Corte Madera freeway project has generated much heat and, surprisingly, a flock of practical and less-costly alternatives.

I spoke with Supervisor Katie Rice about the recent series of hearings conducted by the Transportation Authority of Marin after the explosion of public opposition.

Rice was pleased that the process was so open, but then added, "the opponents need to understand that they can't get everything they want."

Marinites will know if Kinsey and Steinhauser got the message when the view-destroying Los Angeles-style freeway flyover is removed from the plans.

lll

THE 78th annual Marin County Fair just concluded a successful run.

Wandering around the fairground's livestock section is a reminder that 50 percent of Marin's land is devoted to farms and ranches. Agriculture is Marin's No. 1 industry by gross value.

Few are likely aware that Marin has 11 4H clubs where boys and girls learn leadership, science, animal husbandry and responsible citizenship all in a green setting. For them, sustainability isn't just a politicized expression, it's a way of life.

It was good to see that retired IJ editor Roy Barron of Novato is a two-time fair award winner with his prize oranges and walnuts. San Rafael's Gail Trimble deserves the title of Marin's 2013 Rose Queen. Trimble submitted 100 entries and ended up with "Overall Best Rose of Show" for her amazing miniature bouquet.

lll

KUDOS to Marin's Board of Supervisors for exhibiting gumption and common sense. Following the example of the Sonoma County Fair's organizers, the county was determined to prevent gang violence at the Marin Fair by banning the wearing of colors by members of rival criminal gangs, principally the Nortenos (northerners) and the Surenos (southerners).

Criticism came from the American Civil Liberties Union. It contends that banning the display of gang colors is racial profiling. It's obvious from the gangs' names that their members are Hispanic. That's not racial profiling. It's recognizing life in the real world.